High school sweethearts Shelby Taylor and Peter Schneider had a vision for their Island wedding: an intimate outdoor celebration that Shelby would plan herself. And while planning a wedding may seem daunting to most couples, her ten years as a bridal hair stylist gave her the confidence to do it. “I had a vision and knew what I was looking for in our vendors,” Shelby said. “I’m a detail-oriented person, and my years in the business helped us know where to spend our money and what was important.”
While the couple met in 2005 in their hometown of Syracuse, New York, choosing Martha’s Vineyard as their wedding location was a natural choice. Shelby has been visiting her grandparents’ Camp Ground cottage in Oak Bluffs since she was born, and they chose the wedding date based on her favorite month on the Island: June.
When searching for a venue, their first question was whether pets were allowed as they wanted to include their dog, Mowgli. Sailing Camp Park in Oak Bluffs, a suggestion Shelby’s grandmother had made the day they got engaged, fit the bill.
It also provided the backdrop Shelby envisioned. “The Sailing Camp is a blank slate, so you really have the opportunity to set everything up and decorate how you want,” she said. The color scheme was white – her favorite color –
accented by the natural greenery of the setting. Aubrey Sirois of Aubrey Maria Designs/Donaroma’s created the bouquets, boutonnières, and flower arrangements based on a photo Shelby had sent.
Shelby created the signage herself, but relied on vendors and friends for other elements. Friends from Syracuse oversaw hair and makeup for the bridesmaids, but Shelby, of course, did her own hair. Photographer Mila Lowe captured every moment, from “glam” time at Summercamp hotel in Oak Bluffs to the last dance (thanks to DJ Dern).
Tilton Tents and Party Rentals executed Shelby’s elegant tablescape design, with white fairy lights twinkling from the wooden beams above. Buckley’s Gourmet Catering provided the fare for the cocktail hour and reception, including a raw bar with local oysters. The blueberry-lemon wedding cake was baked by The Love Bean in Syracuse and carefully driven to the Vineyard by the couple, while an array of treats from Back Door Donuts in Oak Bluffs also fortified the guests.
The careful planning paid off and the entire day went just as they envisioned – other than time. “I wish the night didn’t end and the guests could have stayed longer,” Shelby said.
Details
Wedding Date: June 22, 2024
Ceremony + Reception: Sailing Camp Park
Photographer: Mila Lowe
Flowers: Aubrey Maria Designs/Donaroma’s
Party Supplies: Tilton Tents and Party Rentals
Caterer: Buckley’s Gourmet Catering
Hair + Makeup: GlamSquadSYR
Cake + Dessert: The Love Bean + Back Door Donuts
Music: DJ Dern
Calligraphy + Stationery + Signage: DIY
Welcome Party: Nomans
Accommodations: Summercamp
